Time to Get Back in the Career Game

Over the past several months, given the onslaught of tough economic news, many sat on the sidelines and didn’t move forward in their career or job, waiting for conditions to improve. Nationally 63% did look for new opportunities during the recent past months. Others have been just waiting – waiting for the signs that it is okay to move forward.

I believe the wait is over. The economy is improving in many markets and in our Capital Region, we are seeing positive signs. There is more confidence among business leaders than any time in the recent past as reported just this past week by the National Federation of Independent Business. Employers are continuing to hire as well. In the Capital region, we never felt the impact of lost jobs like other US markets. The job market isn’t as robust as in the past, but still good – very good when compared to other markets in the State and certainly the nation. Our unemployment rate has been a full 30% lower than the national rate, and over the past two months, has actually gone down – but you didn’t hear that reported which is a shame. The downslide appears to have hit the “bottom” and it is now beginning to climb back. It will be slow – but opportunities will surface

What does this mean? Time to get off the sidelines – reengage in your career.

If you have had those feelings – the Monday morning blues, the dread of going to work, then it is likely you have disconnected from your career or your job. If you are not sure this is you, have five questions for you to think about and help you identify if and how ready you are for a change.

Are you simply working for a paycheck, or are you energized by your career?

Do you look at others and wish you had their job?

Do you have the “Monday Morning Blues” and wish you didn’t have to go to work?

Do you often question your ability and your purpose in work?

Do you feel you are contributing to your future or just working?

If you answered yes to two questions, you are ready for a change in the direction of your career and certainly your job. Answered yes to three — you need to engage now and begin. Answered yes to four or five – you are disconnected from your career life and likely this is impacting other parts of your life as well. You must move on or make a radical change in the manner in which you work.

What to do next?

It’s so easy to say just move on …. but how and what do you do? Three critical steps:

Identify your ideal career and job – this is absolutely critical before you do anything else.

Commit to action — simply thinking about change won’t work – you need a plan of accountability. With my clients, I use the Next-Act ActionNow! program which provides clear and measurable daily and weekly actions to drive results and progress. Measure your progress and actions every day. Hold yourself accountable for results. Get someone to measure your progress as a mentor or buddy